The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mother-Infant Bond: A Systematic Review

Background: The healthy bond that develops prenatally between the mother and her infant is important for the neuropsychological development and development of the child. In stressful situations and mental disorders, the development of this bond is inhibited. With this study, an attempt is made to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the development of the mother-infant bond. Methods: We have searched in the databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, from July to October 2023 and we have found 18 related articles. Results: Most studies supported a lower mother-infant attachment during the pandemic period. We also found increased rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety and post-traumatic stress during the pandemic. Conclusions: The period of the pandemic and the psychological factors were the right conditions for the reduced development of the mother-infant bond. In epidemiological outbreaks, the mental health of the mother and her relationship with the infant should be a priority for perinatal care professionals.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 may be vertically transmitted from mother to infant during lactation based on faeces metagenomics

Probiotics exert beneficial effects on the host.This study aimed to investigate whether maternally ingested Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 during pregnancy could access and colonize the infant gut.This study recruited one pregnant woman,who ingested Probio-M9 daily from 35 weeks of gestation to delivery.Feces of the mother-infant pair were regularly collected from one month before delivery to 6 months of infant's age for metagenomic sequencing.Probio-M9 genomes were mappable to all infant fecal samples,suggesting the ingested probiotics could be vertically transmitted from mother to infant.Infant-or mother-specific differential metabolic pathways were found between the maternal and infant's gut microbiome,implicating apparent differences in the intestinal metagenomic potential/function between the mother and the infant.In conclusion,maternal ingestion of Probio-M9 during the final weeks of gestation could deliver to the infant gut.The findings provided novel insights into shaping infant's gut microbiota.

Predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants: The role of stress, self-efficacy and perceived social support

Objective:To determine the predictive role of stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support on readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.Methods:The present cross-sectional,descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 120 mothers of preterm infants admitted to hospitals affiliated to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences,Iran in 2019.Participants were selected by a convenience sampling method and based on inclusion criteria.Data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire of mothers and infants,parent perceptions of their child's hospital discharge,parental stressor scale:neonatal intensive care unit,perceived maternal parenting,and multidimensional scale of perceived social support.Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression at the significance level of 0.05.Results:Infant behavior and appearance,situational belief,and family support achieved the highest mean score from parents'stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support dimensions,respectively.There was a significant relationship between stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support with readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants(P<0.001).The score of mothers'readiness for discharge decreased by 0.07 per 1-point increase in stress score,and the score of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants rose by 0.35 and 0.43,respectively,for a unit increase in the scores of self-efficacy and perceived social support.Conclusions:Stress,self-efficacy,and perceived social support can be considered as predictors of readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants.It is suggested that nurses in neonatal intensive care units provide a better platform for the readiness for discharge in mothers of preterm infants by reducing stressors and increasing maternal self-efficacy and social support.

Relationship between the different replication status of HBV and mutations in the core promoter in mothers and their children infected via mother-to-infant transmission

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between the different replication status of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and mutations in the core promoter (CP) in mother and her child infected by mother-to-infant transmission. METHODS: The core promoter was amplified by PCR and cloned into pGEM-T vector with the T-A choning technique. The recombinant plasmid pGEM-CP was confirmed by digestion with restriction enzyme Apa I and Sac I. Two clones were selected to be sequenced in each patient. RESULTS: Every pair of mother and child had same serotype and genotype and the homology of nucleotides encoding 'a' determinant was 98%-100%. The number of mutations in the core promoter of patients with a high replication status was less than that in those with a low replication status. Mutations were mainly distributed in basia core promoter (BCP) and the inbibitor region of Kunitz-type serine protease. This difference was not associated with mother or child. CONCLUSION: The different replication status of HBV is caused by mutations in the core promoter in mother and child infected hy mother-to-infant transmission and appears to be not associated with the status of development of the infection.

Hepatitis B Immunoprophylactic Failure and Characteristics of the Hepatitis B Virus Gene in Mother-Infant Pairs in Parts of China

Objective To determine the hepatitis B immunoprophylactic failure rate in infants born to hepatitis B virus （HBV） infected mothers and to characterize HBV genes. Methods HBV-serological testing was conducted for pregnant women and infants. The complete genomes of 30 HBV isolates were sequenced, and genetic characteristics were analyzed using MEGA 5 software. Results The immunoprophylactic failure rate for infants who had completed the scheduled hepatitis B vaccination program was 5.76% （32/556）. High sequence homology （99.8%-100%） was observed in 8 of the 10 mother-infant pairs. We identified 19 subgenotype C2 strains, 9 subgenotype B2 strains, and 2 subgenotype Cl strains. Three serotypes were detected： adr （19/30）, adw （9/30）, and ayw （2/30）. The frequency of amino acid mutation of the ＇a＇ determinant region was 16.67% （5/30）, including that of Q129H, F134Y,S136Y, and G145E. We detected 67 amino acid mutations in the basal core promoter, precore, and core regions of the genome. Conclusion The immunoprophylactic failure rate in infants born to HBV-infected mothers is low in the regions of China examined during this study. Moreover, HBV mutation in the ＇a＇ determinant region could not account for immunoprophylactic failure for all infants.

Effect of maternal alcohol consumption on gestational diabetes detection and mother-infant’s outcomes in Kinshasa, DR Congo

Objectives: Since it has been suggested that moderate alcohol drinking would increase insulin sensitivity, which could benefit Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), the study aimed at evaluating alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and seeing whether this consumption influences GDM detection and maternal/perinatal outcomes. Study design: Women with already known diabetes and those with multiple pregnancy were excluded. All other pregnant women attending antenatal care unit of the university clinics, Kinshasa, DR Congo during the period from 1 March throughout 31 October 2010, were invited at 24-week gestation to enroll in O’Sullivan blood glucose testing and if eligible in 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test. Alcohol consumption, risk factors for GDM, and general characteristics such as age, parity, gestity, BMI, fat mass were registered. Diagnosed GDM was first treated with diet and exercise, thereafter with Metformin, and if necessary with insulin. For other (normal) women data remained blinded until confinement. Maternal and infant’s adverse outcomes such as maternal urinary infection, preeclampsia, cesarean section, intrauterine growth retardation, birth weight percentile 90 in our milieu), Apgar score at the first minute < 7, shoulder dystocia or other birth injury, neonatal hypoglycemia and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) were compared and analyzed according to GDM diagnosis as well to alcohol status. Results: Up to 240 pregnant women accepted to enroll into the study. Alcohol consumption concerned 78 (32.5%) of the women, most of them (61 = 25.42%) being heavy consumers. Risk factors for GDM and Physical and blood glucose characteristics were alike (p not significant) in both consumers and non consumers, except for history of HTA in the family that was significantly more frequent (p = 0.02) among drinkers. GDM’s prevalence was 9%. No adverse outcome was more prominent in any subgroup, except Apgar score < 7 at the first minute that was more frequent (p = 0.038) among neonates of GDM mothers. No FAS, neither shoulder dystocia nor neonatal hypoglycemia were diagnosed. When alcohol status was considered, Birthweight ≥ 3800 g was found more frequent (p = 0.0284) in alcohol consumers than in abstainers. Risk of this outcome was three times higher when history of family hypertension was present (odds ratio 2.694;CI: 0.536 - 13.544). Conclusions: The prevalence of alcohol consumption by pregnant women of our series (32.5%) seems not to impact the detection of GDM (9%). FAS was not diagnosed. Lack of significant differences in adverse outcomes between GDM and non GDM could be attributed to huge follow-up of GDM women. Influence of alcohol consumption on birth weight mostly in setting of familial history of hypertension remains to be addressed.

Status of New HIV Infections among Infants Born of HIV Positive Mothers on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Introduction: The goal of Prevention of Mother to child Transmission (PMTCT) is to minimize new HIV infection with PMTCT interventions which can reduce to as low as 2%. Gusii region is number 5 among counties that contribute to 65% of new HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) in infections in Kenya. The study was to determine the prevalence of new HIV infections among infants (3 - 18 months) born of HIV positive mothers on PMTCT follow up at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH). Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study involving 96 infants born of HIV positive mothers on PMTCT programme at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) was conducted. The infants were between 3 to 18 months of age. The infants were investigated for their HIV status and factors associated with prevalence. The data collection was done during postnatal checkups, antiretroviral treatment follow up and immunization schedule. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: 13.5% (95% C.I = 10.1% to 16.9%) were found to be positive despite their mothers being on PMTCT program. There was no significant difference between gender and status of the infant (χ2 = 0.758, df = 1, p-value = 0.0384). Conclusion: The study confirms that there are still new HIV infections despite being followed up in the PMTCT program. The new HIV infections were associated with mixed feeding. Recommendation: Counseling on Infant feeding, use of ant-retroviral treatment and support from partners should be strengthen in the PMTCT program to ensure reduction of new HIV infections.

A Case Study on the Impact of Mother-to-Mother Support Groups on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition and Care Practices in Habaswein and Wajir South Districts of North Eastern Kenya

Only about 25% of babies are exclusively breast fed until six months of age in developing countries though they are at a greater risk of infection and infant mortality. The Global Strategy for Maternal, Infant and Young Child Feeding (MI- YCF) Strategy developed by WHO/UNICEF in 2002 was to revitalize world attention to the impact of feeding practices on the nutritional status, growth, development, health and survival of infants and children. The data for this case study was collected through key informant interviews, observations and review of Save the Children nutrition programme reports and surveys. This information was then organized to produce a detailed description of the maternal, infant and young child nutrition programme in Habaswein and Wajir South districts or sub-counties. The maternal and infant young child nutrition (MIYCN) programme was launched in Habaswein and Wajir South districts in January 2012. The MIYCN programme followed recommendations of a Knowledge, Practice and Coverage (KPC) survey report in July 2012. To date, the programme has formed 48 Mother-to-mother Support Groups (MTMSGs), which are actively promoting the uptake of the recommended MIYCN practices in the community. MIYCN indicators have been markedly improved between July 2011 and February 2013 when surveys were conducted. The uptake of kitchen gardening has picked up significantly at Meri site and some mothers now have a changed attitude towards unskilled home deliveries and are conducting referrals for skilled births. The marked improvements in the performance of MIYCN indicators between July 2011 and February 2013 inWajir South and Habaswein districts can be partly attributed to the MIYCN programme established in January 2012. However, a randomized community trial is still required to provide conclusive results on the impact of care support groups on maternal, infant and young child feeding in this region.

Impact of postnatal maternal depressive symptoms and infant’s sex on mother-infant interaction among Bangladeshi women

Aim: To investigate the impact of postnatal depressive symptoms and infant sex on perceived and observed mother-infant interaction among rural Bangladeshi women. Methods: Fifty women with depressive symptoms and their infants at 2 - 3 months were compared with 50 women without depressed symptoms and their infants, matched on geographic areas, parity and infant sex. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale assessed depressive symptoms, the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire assessed the mother’s perception of bonding with the infant and mother-infant interactions were videotaped and analyzed with the Global Rating Scale. Results: Mothers with depressive symptoms were poorer, were less educated and rated lower infant bonding than mothers without depressive symptoms (p = 0.03), yet objective observation revealed no difference between the two groups regarding maternal interactive behavior (p = 0.57). However, infants, particularly boys (p = 0.002), of mothers with depressive symptoms fretted more in mother-infant interaction than infants of mothers without depressive symptoms (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Although mothers with depressive symptoms did not show less sensitivity in interactive behavior at 2 - 3 months than those without depressive symptoms, our results indicate that infants, particularly boys, of mothers with depressive symptoms may be negatively influenced by depressive symptoms.

Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Japanese Version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale

Background: Bonding disorders affect the growth and development of infants. In Japan, the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS-J) is widely used for early detection of bonding disorders. Repeated use of a questionnaire has problems of reduced validity. In order to correctly detect bonding disorders at multiple time points, it is necessary to confirm the measurement invariance of the scale. Baba et al. reported that invariance of the MIBS-J factor structure could only be obtained by abridging the scale into three items. Purpose: The aim of this study was to 1) confirm the factor structure and measurement invariance of the MIBS-J between two measurement times and 2) to examine factors that can be used without being affected by measurement time in order to identify item that contribute to measure met invariance. Methods: We analysed the data of 1049 and 878 mothers with a neonate collected in two waves: 5 days (Wave 1) and 1 month postpartum (Wave 2). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the data randomly divided into two groups in each wave. Results: The three-item model (MIBS-J items 1, 6, and 8) was most accepted. Measurement invariance and structural invariance were confirmed in the model. This was consistent with Baba et al.’s model. Conclusion: The three MIBS-J items showed measurement invariance and structural invariance in Japanese mothers during 1 month postpartum.

Maternal Depression and Mother-to-Infant Bonding: The Association of Delivery Mode, General Health and Stress Markers

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine associations among maternal stress level, general health, mother to infant bonding, maternal depression level, and mode of delivery. Methods: Mothers who delivered a single baby at term were recruited with a total 435 mothers participating in the study. Outcome measures: Data were collected 6 months after delivery using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as well as socio-demographic and medical information at 6 months. Additionally, salivary cortisol and chromogranin levels were determined. Results: The proportion of breast-feeding mothers in the vaginal delivery group (51.4%) was significantly higher than that of the cesarean section group (24%). GHQ-28 scores were significantly related to EPDS scores and MIBS scores (P Conclusion: Maternal general health is associated with maternal psychological health. These results suggest that the support of maternal health is important to maintain maternal psychological status and bonding to infants. Because EPDS scores were significantly worse in the planned cesarean section group (4.2 ± 3.3), careful management is needed of mothers who deliver by planned cesarean section.

Cardiac changes in infants of diabetic mothers

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a systemic chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased insulin resistance and/orβ-cell defects.It affects all ages from the foetal life,neonates,childhood to late adulthood.Gestational diabetes is a critical risk factor for congenital heart diseases(CHDs).Moreover,the risk increases with low maternal education,high body mass index at conception,undiagnosed pregestational diabetes,inadequate antenatal care,improper diabetes control,and maternal smoking during pregnancy.Maternal DM significantly affects the foetal heart and foetal-placental circulation in both structure and function.Cardiac defects,myocardial hypertrophy are three times more prevalent in infants of diabetic mothers(IDMs).Antenatal evaluation of the cardiac function and structures can be performed with foetal electrocardiography and echocardiography.Postnatal cardiac evaluation can be performed with natal and postnatal electrocardiography and echocardiography,detection of early atherosclerotic changes by measuring aortic intima-media thickness,and retinal vascular changes by retinal photography.Ameliorating the effects of diabetes during pregnancy on the offspring depends mainly on pregestational and gestational diabetes prevention.However,other measures to reduce the risk,such as using medications,nutritional supplements,or probiotics,still need more research.This review discusses the mechanism of foetal sequels and the risk factors that increase the prevalence of CHDs in gestational DM,the various cardiac outcomes of gestational DM on the foetus and offspring,cardiac evaluation of foetuses and IDMs,and how to alleviate the consequences of gestational DM on the offspring.

Cardiometabolic effects of breastfeeding on infants of diabetic mothers

BACKGROUND Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants.It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases,predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adulthood.Breastfeeding protects against infant mortality and diseases,such as necrotizing enterocolitis,diarrhoea,respiratory infections,viral and bacterial infection,eczema,allergic rhinitis,asthma,food allergies,malocclusion,dental caries,Crohn's disease,and ulcerative colitis.It also protects against obesity and insulin resistance and increases intelligence and mental development.Gestational diabetes has short and long-term impacts on infants of diabetic mothers(IDM).Breast milk composition changes in mothers with gestational diabetes.AIM To investigate the beneficial or detrimental effects of breastfeeding on the cardiometabolic health of IDM and their mothers.METHODS We performed a database search on different engines and a thorough literature review and included 121 research published in English between January 2000 and December 15,2022,in this review.RESULTS Most of the literature agreed on the beneficial effects of breast milk for both the mother and the infant in the short and long terms.Breastfeeding protects mothers with gestational diabetes against obesity and type 2 DM.Despite some evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding on IDM in the short and long term,the evidence is not strong enough due to the presence of many confounding factors and a lack of sufficient studies.CONCLUSION We need more comprehensive research to prove these effects.Despite many obstacles that may enface mothers with gestational diabetes to start and maintain breastfeeding,every effort should be made to encourage them to breastfeed.

Effects of Antiretroviral Therapy and HIV Exposure in Utero on Adverse Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes:A Prospective Cohort Study in Guangzhou, China

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in-utero exposure to HIV and ART on pregnancy outcome and early growth of children.Methods This cohort study enrolled 802 HIV-infected pregnant women between October 2009 and May 2018 in Guangzhou, China. The women were assigned to receive combination ART(c ART) or mono/dual ART or no treatment. The primary outcomes were the combined endpoints of any adverse pregnancy outcome [including ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational age(SGA)] and adverse early growth outcome(including infant death, HIV infection of mother-to-child transmission, and underweight, wasting and stunting of infants at 4 weeks of age).Results Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 202(35.1%) of all enrolled HIV-infected women, and121(31.3%) of all infants exhibited adverse effects on early growth at 4 weeks of age. The rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, infant death and perinatal HIV infection were higher among women not receiving ART, compared to those treated with c ART or mono/dual ART(P < 0.05). However, women treated with c ART had a higher rate of SGA,compared to untreated women(P < 0.05). No differences in early infant growth were observed among the different treatment regimens.Conclusion Our findings underscore the essentiality of prioritizing HIV-positive pregnant women for ART, as even mono/dual ART available in resource-limited countries could improve pregnancy outcomes and infant survival.

The Outcome of Midwife-Mother Relationship in Delivery Room: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Effective communication and emotional support of parturient women improve the outcome of childbirth. Reduction in Duration of labor, cesarean rate, use of anesthesia, and 5 minute Apgar Score less than 7 can achieve. This study was a part of a large mixed method study during 2013-2014. In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 32 participants (16 mother and 16 midwife), using semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited by pur-posive sampling with maximum diversity in terms of age, occupation, education and etc. Educational hospital of Arak University of Medical Sciences was considered as the setting. Each interview was conducted at a private and convenient location and took about 30 to 45 minutes. Interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was done for data analysis. Interviews continued until data saturation was obtained. Data were coded in MAXQDA software (version 11). The main category emerged as “outcome” of midwife-mother relationship. Facilitating childbirth, positive experience, mental health promotion and improvement in quality of life were derived as subcategories. Good midwife-mother relationship could promote positive outcome in labour. Results could assist midwives in providing holistic quality care to mothers during labour, thus providing positive consequence in child birth. Also, results could provide a framework and guidance for policymakers to create appropriate context for the midwife-mother relationship in maternity care.

Prelacteal Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic in Harari Region Public Health Facilities, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Breast feeding will have the intended outcome when it is initiated timely and exclusive for the first six months. Introducing prelacteal feeding and inadequate amount of breast milk contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to assess prelacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers attending immunization clinic in Harari region government health institutions. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 634 mothers and infants dyads attending ten public health facilities. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. An exit interview using pretested structured questionnaire was conducted about their experience on prelacteal feeding and related experience. Logistic regressions with OR and 95% confidence interval were computed. Result: Two hundred seventy eight (45.4%) of mothers gave prelacteal liquids for their infants. The common pre-lacteal food includes sugar or glucose water 121 (43.5%) followed by milk other than breast milk 70 (25.1%). Home delivery, failure to attend ANC, late breastfeeding initiation and influence by friends were significantly associated with prelacteal feeding. Conclusion: The prevalence of prelacteal feeding was relatively high in the area. Failure to attend ANC, giving birth at home, late initiation of breast feeding and influence of friends and relatives to give prelacteal feeds for their new born infants were found to be positively associated with prelacteal feeding.

Investigation of regurgitation and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in Indonesian infants

AIM:To evaluate the incidence of regurgitation and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in Indonesian infants. METHODS:In a cross-sectional study at the University Outpatient Clinic for vaccination in Jakarta,138 mothers of healthy infants less than 12-mo old were prospectively asked to report the frequency of regurgitation. RESULTS:Whatever the age was,some infants did not regurgitate(from 10% during the first month of life to 67% in 1-year-old infants).Regurgitation of at least once a day was reported in 77% of infants younger than 3 too.Daily regurgitation decreased to 12% in the 9-12 mo old group. Reported peak prevalence was 81%(26/32)during the first month of life.Regurgitation decreased sharply between the 4-6 and 7-9 mo old groups(from 44% to 9%).The longer the regurgitation persisted,the more frequently the mother perceived regurgitation as a problem.Volume and frequency of regurgitation,back arching,irritability,crying and refusal of feeding were the symptoms causing maternal anxiety.The longer the regurgitation persisted,the more frequently the mothers viewed it as a health problem. CONCLUSION:Regurgitation occurs frequently in Indonesian infants,and is a frequent cause of concern to mothers.

Mothers overcoming remorse to care for self and baby:An emerging concept

Objectives:Mothers with substance use disorder(SUD)experience a range of emotions such as feeling ostracized,diminished,and distressed while watching their baby experience withdrawal from substances.Being fully present in the now moment is to trust self to do what is best by moving beyond perceived boundaries to care for self and baby.The process of concept building arose from nursing practice encounters in a special care nursery(SCN)for babies who experienced withdrawal from substances.Method:Liehr and Smith’s 10-phase concept building approach was used to guide the development of this concept.Concept building began with a practice story.The emerging concept was named,core qualities identified,and supported through a literature review.The middle range theory of uncertainty in illness was chosen to serve as theoretical support for the concept.A model was created to provide clarity on the relationships within the concept.Result:A mini-saga was gathered from a mother in the SCN whose newborn had experienced withdrawal from substances.The minisaga follows:Due to the baby’s discomfort and judging eyes of the staff,she was unable to mother her baby.As the baby recovered,she asked for help,comforted her baby,and gained confidence to move beyond perceived boundaries to become the mother she envisioned.Overcoming perceived boundaries to attend to self and baby is trusting oneself to do what is best in spite of feeling ostracized,diminished,and distressed while watching baby withdraw from substances.Conclusion:This concept provides the perspective of mothers with SUD through intermodernism from experiences in nursing practice.The Uncertainty in Illness theory further allows practitioners to gain an understanding of the role uncertainty plays in this unique situation.

Mother’s Nutritional Knowledge and Practice towards Children under Two Years of Age and Its Impact on Their Health in Abuzaid Albuluk Pediatric Specialized Hospital in 2023

Background: Nutritional knowledge and practise is an important measure to improve dietary habits and food choices. The daily food should contain balanced nutrition as needed to support optimal growth, avoid deficiency diseases and prevent the diseases which might interfere with the children health. Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional non-interventional hospital-based study was carried out among 122 mothers and 122 children by using a non-probability convenience sampling technique in the period of 15 March to 15 April 2023, and using interviews with structural questionnaires, the data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: We found that most of the children had moderate health, while most of the mothers had moderate nutritional knowledge and practise towards their children, also we found that the relationship between mothers’ knowledge and practise and child health was significant (P Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge and practise among children was moderate and children had moderate health. Wrong beliefs and cultural taboos play major roles in decreasing knowledge and practise.

Predictors of caring behaviors of mothers of premature infants based on the health belief model

Objective:To investigate predictors of caring behaviors of mothers of premature infants based on the health belief model.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted by using the structural equation modeling on 168 mothers of premature infants,who were selected by convenience sampling method from October 2017 to February 2018 in Iran.Data were collected by using a standard scale.Validity and reliability of all data collection tools were approved.Data were analyzed by using SPSS V.16 and Mplus6 software.Results:The structural equation modeling of the initial health belief model did not have a good fit,but the fitness of model 2 obtaining from the modified initial model was confirmed by changes in locations of constructs.None of constructs of model 2 had a significant positive association with the caring behavior of mothers of premature infants and only 2.8%of variance of caring behaviors in mothers could be predicted by the sum of variables of demographic characteristics and the modified health belief model constructs.Conclusions:Given that the findings do not approve the use of the health belief model in predicting determinants of caring behavior of mothers of premature infants,it is suggested to apply this model to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the health belief model on the caring behavior of mothers.